Macallan Concept No. 3

As with the last time I tasted this it really evokes hot California summers. Citrus, dried grass, and a touch of iced coffee.

Continuing on my exploration through some of Macallan’s releases, next up I have a sample of their David Carson Concept Number 3 that was bottled at 40.8% ABV. The nose starts with a mix of sautéed gooseberries, lemon custard, light saltiness and candied ginger then dark chocolate covered raisins and toasted hazelnuts followed by caramel apple lollipop, musty grapes and tangerine orange zest that transition to light baking spices and mildly bitter black tea with no ethanol burn. The taste is a thin to medium mouthfeel starting with a mix of mango, lemon lime gelato and candied ginger then a mild bitter and sour spice that quickly fades to dark chocolate mocha and light sea salt followed by Granny Smith apple, nectarines and tangerine oranges that transition to light baking spices and mildly bitter black tea with light ethanol burn. The finish is short with golden raisins, tangerine orange, milk chocolate covered macadamia nuts, ginger, moderate black pepper spice and mild black tea. Overall, this falls below average that has some enjoyable creamy sweet fruits emerging but are quickly overpowered by sour fruits along with a mild bitterness, sea salt and light oak that likely could have benefitted from a higher ABV to help increase the richness and intensity of the flavors and lengthen the finish that is short and bitter. Not surprising that a low ABV Macallan collaboration with a beautiful box wouldn’t deliver a compelling dram, but it appears that the Macallan fan base are enthusiastic about this release as some of these appear to be listed for several hundred dollars online now. Perhaps Macallan can collaborate with Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop next to be able to release a line celebrating the wondrous scents and flavors of the female genitalia that can be drank alongside their candle counterparts. That whisky might be underwhelming like this one, but I guarantee that box design would likely be a captivating and provocative artwork to behold.

The final release of the "Concept" travel retail series, the Macallan Concept No. 3 has been made by establishing a collaboration with David Carson, a famous Graphic designer. I got to say that i really liked the Concept No. 2; and i had high hopes for this one. Bottled at 40.8%abv, Burnished gold On the nose, a beautiful vanilla and a creamy chocolate. Sawdust, hazelnut, hints of bee honey. There is a slight note of burnt hay. There is a burnt pineapple somewhere. Very appealing on the nose. It has the typical Macallan profile, coffee and bitter cocoa. Capuccino. Some herbal profile as well. Feels nice that Macallan is going back to its roots on this one, at least on the nose. Wonderful coffee beans and honey note. Perfect score here. On the palate, it was ok. Honey, toffee, sawdust and oak spice. There is this pear peel note. Oaky, bitter, and not very sweet. Aftertaste wasn't the best, without been off-putting. Burnt grass finish. Tobacco and bitter spices. Soft and short finish. In conclusion, i really liked the nose on this one, and that saves the overall score. I don't think it is a bad dram, i believe that Macallan fans will be somehow pleased with this one, but single malt enthusiasts will only appreciate the effort of Macallan to look like a little bit as their older expressions. It is boring on the palate and the finish is short. It lacks some power, but in no way this is a bad dram. I believe my 85 over 100 score is fair for it.

Citrus, pear, hot Californian summers.